2014 BMW 2 Series revealed

* BMW shows off new 2 Series coupe
* Longer and wider than old 1 Series Coupe
* Prices start at £25,040, on sale March 2014...

Tom Webster

24 October 2013

This is the new BMW 2 Series coupe, which replaces the outgoing 1 Series Coupe in the company's range.

The 2 Series is longer, lower, wider and more spacious than the old 1 Series Coupe. BMW is also keen to set the new car apart from the 1 Series hatchback, with the company saying that the coupe has its own specific design language.

It is 11cm longer than the 1 Series hatch, and has a completely restyled, muscular front end. The three-box bodystyle features lines that wrap around the rear of the car, frameless windows and a wider boot opening than the old car.

The 2 Series will launch with a choice of three engines – a 220d diesel and a 220i and M235i petrol – while a 218d and 225d diesel will follow within a couple of months. A six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic gearbox will be offered.

The 141bhp 218d and the 181bhp 220d will be the most economical of the engines on offer, with both managing an average fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 111g/km when paired with the auto 'box.

Both diesel engines still produce an impressive level of pace, though, taking 8.6 seconds and 7.1 seconds to get from 0-62mph respectively.

At the other end of the performance scale, the 322bhp six-cylinder M235i covers the 0-62mph sprint in just 5.0 seconds when paired with the manual gearbox, while the automatic version takes 4.8 seconds to do the same dash.

To aid its performance, the M235i gets sports steering, M Sport brakes and bespoke springs and dampers. It also comes with 18-inch M Sport alloy wheels with high-grip tyres and a limited slip differential.

There are four trims available: SE, Sport, Modern and M Sport. SE models get the same kit as the 1 Series hatchback, but add rear parking sensors, air conditioning, sports leather steering wheel, LED rear lights, auto dimming rear-view mirror and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Pricing for the 2 Series Coupe starts at £25,040 for the 220i SE, while the 220d SE costs £25,865 and the M235i starts at £34,250.

It costs £1000 to upgrade from the SE to Sport or Modern trim and £2350 to upgrade from SE to M Sport. The automatic gearbox adds £1685 to the price in all cases except on the M225d, which is available only in M Sport trim and with the auto 'box as standard.

Buyers will be able to choose from 12 colours – two standard and 10 metallic. The first 2 Series Coupes will be delivered to customers from 8 March 2014.